Burgess Hill have been preparing for their most important match of the season at a Spanish training camp.

The 17-man squad arrived back at Stansted Airport last night in buoyant mood after their four-day break at La Cala where they have been preparing for tomorrow's FA Vase clash at home to Dorking.

The runaway leaders of County League division one had won 23 consecutive matches before their 2-1 reverse at Selsey in the RUR Cup last weekend.

They are hoping to reach the last 16 of the prestigious non-League competition for only the second time in their history.

Alan Pook led Hillians to the fifth round three years ago when they lost 1-0 at Sudbury Wanderers. Now Croydon's men want to at least equal that feat.

Goalkeeper Pat Gannon, 21, has been one of the finds of the season for Hillians, along with Steve Harper and he is relishing tomorrow's game.

Gannon said: "This is the biggest game of my career. I've played in all the Vase games so far and we are all buzzing after our stay in Spain.

"I've got some nerves, but they are all positive. It is a massive match for us and that helps my concentration. The big crowds really make my game. I'll just try and keep a clean sheet and hope we go through."

Gannon and his team-mates honed their skills at La Cala's exclusive five-star football facility where sides including 2001 European Cup winners Bayern Munich have stayed.

Manager Gary Croydon and assistant manager Danny Bloor were on the practice pitch for up to four hours a day working with individual players and on tactics.

Bloor said: "The facilities have been first class. We haven't had the lads slogging their guts out but we have worked on specifics with certain players and relaxed by playing some head tennis. The morale is sky-high.

"It was pleasant weather and the boys have done things in the right manner. We had one or two glasses of wine but apart from that there was no drinking."

Hill expect 500 fans to watch the game at Leylands Park.

Bloor said: "At this stage of the Vase we are delighted to be at home. The Burgess Hill fans are the best in Sussex. Take away the Albion supporters and we have the best in the county. If they get behind us they can make a big difference."

After three convincing victories in the Vase over Egham Town (4-0), Corinthian Casuals (3-0) and Selsey (4-0) fans are hoping for a similar scoreline against Dorking.

Steve Harper, who is training with Millwall until the end of the season, leads the line with Ashley Carr and Phil Churchill tomorrow.

With 69 goals between them this term, Hillians have the firepower to book a place in the next round.

Dez Duile is the only doubt for Burgess Hill. The defender is due to play in a reserve match tonight having recovered from a badly bruised calf and shin bone.